As I put this pattern together, my daughter asked about the choices for the stitches. I had not really given it much thought, but what a provocative question. Here is a break down of what it means to me. The Half doubles are Sturdy, and graceful, the V stitches represent Valiance, Vitality and Victory, the Bobbles represent bumps in the road. Between the bumps in the road, we have 2 Single Crochet stitches. They are small, and simple, Faith, and
Prayer. Just like in the shawl, you cannot get to the next with out them. There are 52 Bobbles in each row of them, there are 52 weeks in a year. There are 5 rows of Bobbles, There are 5 years of bumps and concern in remission of cancer, before a person is considered a survivor. The Border is a shell, and much like the shell of a clam, it holds it all together, and keeps it contained. The optional fringe, allows the hurt and the grit to escape the ends.
While I do not expect that you will share in my philosophies, I wanted to share the spirit driven inspiration I felt as this shawl was crafted for a woman I care for a great deal.

While creating this shawl, I also created a pattern for a matching Winter Scarf. Perhaps for a caregiver, or to take the hugs with you when you have to be out.

Sadly, Kim lost her battle with cancer in early November, 2013.
The pattern has been reactivated, in honor of her passing.
I will be writing a new pattern that modifies this shawl into a baby blanket in honor of Kim’s First Grandson, who is due in early 2014.